'SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE' REVIEW: A Masterful Adaptation of A Simmering Irish Historical Drama [4/5]
Actor Cillian Murphy and Director Tim Mielants Make All the Right Choices
[Rating 4/5] - dir. Tim Mielants - 2024 - Ireland - PG13 - 1h 38m - Historical Drama
Here is a thorough, emotionally driven adaptation of the much lauded Irish novel Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan. She populates its world with characters that feel real. Each has a specific voice — a level of complexity not always present in even the strongest writers, who for example might provide their characters with the same level and type of wit, whether they’re five or 50.
Sorry, pet peeve.
Actor Cillian Murphy, leading this adaptation (screenplay by Enda Walsh) in more ways than one (he produced it with Matt Damon, among others), sheds the skinny-genius-cool of last year’s enormous Oppenheimer and adopts a rather uncomfortably shy, repressed, thought-possessed persona for his role as “Mr. Furlong”, a small town coal merchant.
One morning, in between work, Furlong thinks he sees an act of religious oppression; possible proof of a rumour. It’s a moment he can’t shake. Was it a one off thing? Is he even right about what he saw? Does he owe anything to anyone? These questions and the process of answering them serve as the main thrust for this heart-wrenching historical religious drama.
Conversations between Murphy and co-star Eileen Walsh, who portrays his wife, “Eileen”, are absolutely arresting. It is in the realm of possibility Walsh gets a supporting actor nom.
Another highlight is “Sister Mary”, portrayed with quiet, self-righteous fury by Emily Watson.
Despite the phenomenal performances put forth by the actors assembled, director Tim Mielants seems intent on making the story the star, and that’s the right choice. Elegant, understated cinematography and colorization serve story beats and acting performance, rather than engaging in a too-often egotistical dance that only serves to impress gear-heads and film nerds. This isn’t about winning any points. It’s about doing justice to those at the mercy of a systemic, human issue.
This is a successful adaptation.
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Small Things Like These is in theatres now.
Selected Movie Quote: “Wasn’t it just a silly game?”
[Rating 4/5] - dir. Tim Mielants - 2024 - Ireland - PG13 - 1h 38m - Historical Drama